Green gym facilities growing like weeds in Chilliwack

Chilliwack is set to double the number of outdoor green gyms for people who might like to work out in the fresh air.

To date they’ve been installed at Townsend Park, Vedder Park and The Landing in Chilliwack.

They’re on the way for Sardis Park, Fairfield Park and the new Crossing Park.

Each identical outdoor workout area has six exercise stations, and usually a playground nearby so parents and guardians can work out while watching the kids play.

“Each green gym offers equipment to provide muscular fitness, strength, core and stretching components,” according to City of Chilliwack.

Often a piece of equipment is designed to use a person’s body weight as resistance, as with elipticals or air walkers as examples.

“The simple design allows the equipment to blend in with the natural surroundings, making each of these outdoor workout areas excellent additions to their respective parks.”

They were also designed to be inclusive, accommodating wheelchairs or mobility scooters.

Other communities are seeing the benefits as they promote health and wellness and encourage residents and visitors alike to get outside and move more. They also provide an additional activity to add to the long list of outdoor recreational opportunities in Chilliwack.

“The City has strategically sited the existing and future green gyms near existing walking/jogging loops and trail systems to provide residents with the option to vary their regular outdoor workout experience,” according to the website.